Popular Types of Pizza vary widely across regions, with each style offering unique ingredients, crusts, and cooking methods, giving pizza lovers plenty of choices to suit their tastes.
Pizza is more than just a food; it’s a cultural phenomenon, with each region of the world putting its own unique spin on this beloved dish. From the simple and classic to the indulgent and extravagant, pizza has evolved in ways that make it possible for every pizza lover to find a style they adore. Whether you’re eating a thin, foldable slice in New York or savoring the hearty, deep-dish pizza of Chicago, pizza is a reflection of the rich culinary history of each region.
This detailed guide explores 20 popular types of pizza, breaking down what makes each one special, and why it continues to stand out. Whether you’re a seasoned pizza aficionado or a curious foodie, this blog will help you explore the different styles, their origins, and the flavors that make them unique. Get ready for a deep dive into the mouthwatering world of pizza!
1. New York-Style Pizza
What Makes It Different: New York-style pizza is the epitome of pizza in the United States. The thin, foldable slices are perfect for a quick meal while walking around the city. The crust is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, made from a dough that is usually hand-tossed and cooked in a gas oven. Topped with a simple yet flavorful tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese, the pie is typically huge — around 18 inches or more. The generous layer of mozzarella cheese covers almost the entire pie, leaving just a small border for a crunchy, flavorful crust. This pizza is a favorite for late-night eats, and often served by the slice in pizzerias, making it an iconic choice for busy urbanites.
Perfect For:
- Late-night cravings and street food lovers.
- Those who love thin-crust pizza that’s crisp but foldable.
- Sharing a big pizza with friends and family.
2. Sicilian-Style Pizza
What Makes It Different: Sicilian-style pizza is a thick, square pie that’s both chewy and crunchy, thanks to its hearty crust. Originally from Sicily, it’s baked in rectangular pans, which gives it its distinct shape. The crust itself is thick and fluffy with a slight crunch on the outside, and it’s topped with a variety of ingredients. While the classic Sicilian pie is topped with tomato sauce, anchovies, onions, and breadcrumbs, the American version typically includes a more straightforward combination of cheese and meat toppings. The dough is often allowed to rise longer, creating a denser, airier texture.
Perfect For:
- People who enjoy a more filling, substantial pizza.
- Fans of thick crusts and a slightly chewy texture.
- Sharing with a crowd, thanks to the larger, square slices.
Explore Sicilian Pizza History
3. Roman-Style Pizza
What Makes It Different: Roman-style pizza is a unique take on the traditional pizza that’s typically cooked in rectangular pans with a thin, crispy crust. Unlike other pizza styles, Roman pizza is often sold by the meter (pizza al metro) or by the cut (pizza al taglio). This style offers flexibility — customers can order exactly how much pizza they want, making it an ideal option for casual eaters. The pizza itself is light, with a crispy crust and generous toppings, but with less cheese than most other styles. Toppings are often minimal, and the focus is on the balance between the thin crust and fresh ingredients.
Perfect For:
- Casual eaters who want a customizable slice.
- Pizza lovers who enjoy a crispy crust with fresh, light toppings.
- Those visiting Rome looking for a traditional local pizza experience.
Learn About Roman Pizza Variations
4. Brooklyn-Style Pizza
What Makes It Different: Brooklyn-style pizza is often thought to be a variation of New York-style pizza, but with a few notable differences. It typically features a thin crust that’s crisp on the outside but chewy on the inside. The dough is sometimes prepared with a slightly higher hydration to achieve a lighter, airier texture. Brooklyn-style pizza can also have larger and more creative toppings than New York pizza. Some pizzerias use a blend of mozzarella and provolone cheese to add extra flavor. While its origin is tied to New York, Brooklyn-style has its own distinct personality, making it harder to define and even more delicious.
Perfect For:
- Those who love the New York pizza experience but want a unique twist.
- Pizza enthusiasts who enjoy larger and more creative toppings.
- Fans of thin, chewy crusts with a slightly crispy edge.
5. Chicago Deep Dish Pizza
What Makes It Different: Chicago deep dish pizza is the ultimate indulgence. This iconic pizza is often compared to a savory pie rather than a traditional pizza. The crust is thick, buttery, and almost pastry-like, forming a deep, bowl-shaped base that holds generous layers of cheese, toppings, and a rich tomato sauce. The pizza is assembled in reverse order — cheese goes first, followed by meats and vegetables, and finally topped with a chunky, zesty tomato sauce. Chicago deep dish is typically baked in a deep, well-oiled pan, which ensures a crispy crust that holds all the cheesy, saucy goodness inside.
Perfect For:
- Those who enjoy a hearty, meal-like pizza experience.
- Fans of a buttery, crispy crust and cheesy, sauce-filled pizza.
- Indulging in a pizza that feels more like a meal than a snack.
6. Chicago Thin Crust (Tavern-Style Pizza)
What Makes It Different: Chicago’s thin crust pizza, often referred to as tavern-style, is a far cry from the deep-dish style that the city is famous for. This pizza features a cracker-thin crust, which is cut into squares, making it easy to share with a crowd. The pizza is topped with tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and various toppings, but the crust’s crispy, crunchy texture is the star. Unlike many other pizza styles, the tavern-style crust is rolled out, giving it a uniform, cracker-like quality.
Perfect For:
- Those who want a crunchy, crispy pizza with a light, thin crust.
- Sharing at a party or bar, thanks to its square slices.
- Fans of classic, no-frills pizza with simple toppings.
More on Chicago Tavern-Style Pizza
7. Neapolitan Pizza
What Makes It Different: Neapolitan pizza is the quintessential, traditional Italian pizza. Originating in Naples, Italy, this pizza is renowned for its simple yet delightful ingredients. The crust is soft, slightly charred on the outside, and thin in the center. Topped with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil, the Neapolitan pizza is cooked at high temperatures in a wood-fired oven for just a few minutes. The result is a crispy yet soft crust with a perfect balance of flavors. The dough itself is made with double zero flour imported from Italy, giving it a light, airy texture.
Perfect For:
- Those who appreciate simple, high-quality ingredients.
- Fans of a crispy yet soft crust with a wood-fired flavor.
- Pizza purists who want a classic, authentic experience.
8. St. Louis-Style Pizza
What Makes It Different: St. Louis-style pizza is one of the most controversial and divisive styles in America. This pizza has an extremely thin, cracker-like crust, and is topped with Provel cheese — a processed blend of mozzarella, cheddar, and Swiss. The cheese is gooey and rich, giving the pizza a unique flavor that some people love, while others dislike. Unlike most pizzas, St. Louis-style is cut into squares, not wedges, making it easier to share among friends. Its signature thin crust and cheesy topping make it a pizza like no other.
Perfect For:
- People who enjoy ultra-thin crust and a rich, gooey cheese blend.
- Fans of an unconventional pizza style with bold flavors.
- Those curious about trying one of the most polarizing pizza types.
9. Buffalo-Style Pizza
What Makes It Different: Buffalo-style pizza is a unique variation that originated in Western New York. The crust is thick and chewy, resembling more of a bread-like base than a traditional pizza crust. It’s topped with a mild red sauce, generous amounts of cheese, and a variety of meats, but the defining feature is the use of curled-up pepperoni that crisps up during baking, creating little pockets of grease. The pizza itself is filling, indulgent, and perfect for those who love the hearty, comfort food experience.
Perfect For:
- Lovers of hearty, bread-like crust and generous toppings.
- Fans of crispy, curled pepperoni with pools of delicious grease.
- Those who want to combine the flavors of pizza with Buffalo’s famous comfort food culture.
10. Detroit-Style Pizza
What Makes It Different: Detroit-style pizza is a rectangular, deep-dish pizza with a thick, airy crust and a rich, savory flavor. The pizza is cooked in a well-oiled steel pan, which results in a crispy, caramelized cheese crust. The pizza is topped with Wisconsin mozzarella cheese, followed by a variety of toppings, and finished off with a generous ladle of marinara sauce. The combination of crispy cheese on the edge and fluffy, chewy dough makes this pizza style a favorite among deep-dish lovers.
Perfect For:
- Fans of deep-dish pizza who want a slightly different take with crispy, caramelized cheese.
- Those who love a hearty, filling pizza that’s still light on the inside.
- People who appreciate the balance of sauce and cheese on a pizza.
11. California-Style Pizza
What Makes It Different: California-style pizza is all about fresh, eclectic toppings that push the boundaries of traditional pizza. This pizza style was popularized in the 1980s by chefs like Wolfgang Puck, who experimented with unconventional ingredients such as artichokes, smoked salmon, and barbecue chicken. The crust is typically thin and crispy, allowing the toppings to shine. California-style pizza is also known for its use of fresh, locally sourced ingredients, making it a reflection of California’s culinary creativity.
Perfect For:
- People who enjoy innovative and unique toppings.
- Pizza lovers who want a healthier, fresh twist on the traditional pie.
- Those looking for a gourmet, inventive pizza experience.
12. Miami (Cuban) Pizza
What Makes It Different: Miami, known for its Cuban influences, brings a unique style of pizza that isn’t quite what you might expect. Cuban pizza, more accurately referred to as Miami-style, features a thick, doughy crust that’s reminiscent of Sicilian and Detroit-style pizzas. The pizza has a light, airy texture, topped with a thin layer of tangy sauce, mozzarella, and gouda cheese. What sets this pizza apart is its approach to toppings, often being lighter and fresher, with the dough itself playing a central role in the experience. Though it’s not as well-known as other regional pizza styles, it’s an essential try for pizza lovers looking for something different.
Perfect For:
- Fans of thicker crusts who still want a lighter pizza experience.
- Those looking for a fusion of Italian and Cuban flavors.
- Late-night snackers who want a unique Miami twist on pizza.
13. Calabrian-Style Pizza
What Makes It Different: Calabrian-style pizza is an almost identical cousin to Neapolitan pizza but with a few differences. The key variation lies in the crust. Calabrian pizza is typically thinner and crispier than its Neapolitan counterpart. Olive oil is integrated into the dough, giving it an extra rich flavor and a slightly crispy edge. The toppings are also simple but slightly spicier, with chili peppers often being a signature ingredient in Calabrian pizzas. The result is a pizza that is flat, crispy, and slightly more robust in flavor than the milder Neapolitan version.
Perfect For:
- Pizza lovers who enjoy a bit of heat and spice.
- Those who want a crispier, thinner version of the Neapolitan pizza.
- Fans of Mediterranean flavors with a touch of Calabrian heat.
14. New Haven-Style Pizza
What Makes It Different: New Haven-style pizza, often called apizza (pronounced “ah-beetz”), is a classic style originating from New Haven, Connecticut. What makes it unique is its distinct cooking method — it’s made in a coal-fired oven, giving it a signature charred flavor that cannot be replicated in other types of ovens. The pizza is often thin, with a crispy yet chewy crust, and is traditionally topped with just tomato sauce. The most notable feature is the “well-done” crust, which is intentionally charred. Those unaccustomed to this style may mistake it for being burnt, but true fans know it’s part of the charm. Toppings can be added upon request, but purists prefer their apizza simple and unadorned.
Perfect For:
- People who appreciate charred, coal-fired crusts and smoky flavors.
- Fans of a minimalist approach to pizza, focusing on the crust and sauce.
- Pizza lovers looking for an iconic regional style that stands apart.
15. Rhode Island-Style Pizza
What Makes It Different: Rhode Island-style pizza is a simple yet iconic regional pizza, often sold as strips rather than slices. The crust is light and focaccia-like, and it’s topped with a thin layer of sauce and a sprinkle of Romano cheese, giving it a more rustic feel. Unlike most pizzas, Rhode Island-style is often served at room temperature, which allows the flavors to settle and intensify. It’s not the type of pizza you’d find in traditional pizzerias, but it holds a special place in the hearts of Rhode Island locals. The history behind this pizza is tied to local bakeries, where bread dough was repurposed as pizza dough, and it was often left out to cool before serving.
Perfect For:
- People who love simple, no-frills pizza with an emphasis on crust and sauce.
- Fans of regional pizza styles that are less mainstream.
- Those who want a nostalgic taste of local Rhode Island culinary culture.
16. Boardwalk-Style Pizza
What Makes It Different: If you’ve ever walked along the Jersey Shore, you might have encountered boardwalk-style pizza — and it’s a style that stands out for its large, thin slices, often topped with a distinctive swirl of sauce. These pizzas are usually cooked in traditional brick ovens, giving the crust a delicate crispiness while retaining a chewy interior. Unlike other pizza styles, the swirl of sauce adds a touch of unique texture and flavor to every bite. Boardwalk-style pizzas are perfect for casual eating on a beachside stroll and are typically served as large, thin slices that can be folded for easy handling.
Perfect For:
- People who enjoy thin, crispy pizza with an added twist of sauce.
- Fans of pizza that’s perfect for sharing or eating on the go.
- Those visiting the Jersey Shore for a quintessential local pizza experience.
Boardwalk Pizza at Manco & Manco
17. Philadelphia Tomato Pie
What Makes It Different: Philadelphia-style tomato pie is another pizza variant that sets itself apart by its lack of cheese (though modern versions may add cheese). Traditionally, it features a thick, focaccia-like crust that serves as the base for a savory tomato sauce, seasoned with herbs and spices. The crust is spongy and thick, providing a substantial foundation for the tangy, herb-infused sauce. This pizza is often cut into squares and served cold or at room temperature, a unique feature that distinguishes it from other hot pizzas. Tomato pies have a long history in the Philadelphia area, with Italian immigrants from Southern Italy bringing this style to the region in the early 20th century.
Perfect For:
- Those who prefer a pizza without cheese or want to try a cheese-less variety.
- Fans of a thicker, bread-like crust with a robust, tangy tomato flavor.
- People curious about the regional pizza styles of Philadelphia.
Philadelphia Tomato Pie History
18. Grandma Pie
What Makes It Different: Grandma pie is a rectangular pizza with a thin, crispy crust that’s baked on a cookie sheet rather than a traditional pizza pan. The dough is typically brushed with olive oil before being topped with simple ingredients, such as crushed tomatoes, garlic, and Pecorino Romano cheese. The result is a pizza that’s slightly thicker than Sicilian pizza but still light and crispy. The crust gets extra crisp on the edges due to the olive oil, making it perfect for those who love a crunchy pizza with a flavorful, garlicky base. Grandma pies have become increasingly popular due to their homey, comforting feel.
Perfect For:
- Fans of a crunchy crust with a little extra flavor from garlic and olive oil.
- Those who enjoy a more rustic, traditional style of pizza.
- People who want a lighter, thinner alternative to traditional square pizzas.
19. Greek Pizza
What Makes It Different: Greek pizza is characterized by its thick, slightly greasy crust that’s heavily coated with olive oil. This pizza is typically cooked in a pan, which contributes to the crispy yet soft texture of the crust. The toppings are often simple, consisting of ingredients like tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese, giving it a distinctly Mediterranean flavor. The olive oil used in the crust and sauce makes this pizza one of the greasiest and richest styles. The crust itself is also softer and breadier than other styles, offering a pillowy base for the toppings.
Perfect For:
- Those who love a hearty, doughy crust with a rich, olive oil flavor.
- Fans of Mediterranean ingredients, such as feta, olives, and oregano.
- People who want a satisfying and filling pizza.
20.Hawaiian Pizza: A Sweet and Savory Delight
What Makes It Different: Hawaiian pizza combines sweet and savory flavors with its unique combination of pineapple, ham, and cheese. The crust is typically thin, and the pizza is topped with a generous layer of mozzarella cheese, followed by chunks of sweet pineapple and savory ham. The contrast between the sweet pineapple and salty ham creates a balance that sets it apart from other pizza styles. Often controversial, this pizza has a loyal following for its bold and unexpected flavors.
Perfect For:
- Those who enjoy a mix of sweet and savory flavors on their pizza.
- Fans of tropical-inspired pizza with unique toppings.
- People looking for a departure from traditional pizza toppings.
Conclusion
Pizza, as you can see, is a vast and varied culinary tradition with each region putting its own unique twist on the classic dish. Whether you’re craving a thin, foldable New York slice, the cheesy decadence of Chicago deep dish, or the simple elegance of a Neapolitan pizza, there’s a style to suit every taste. The world of pizza is rich with tradition, creativity, and diverse flavors, and by trying different styles, you can experience a little bit of every region’s pizza history.
So the next time you order a pizza, why not explore a new style? Whether you’re in a small local pizzeria or a high-end gourmet restaurant, the world of pizza awaits your taste buds! Please follow our blog, Dines Hub, for more delicious insights!
